Boundary:

Property boundary

All addresses

Street Address

Suburb/town

LGA

Parish

County

Type

1 Avenue Road

Mosman

Mosman

Willoughby

Cumberland

Primary Address

Statement of significance:

'Monterey' is a prominent Mosman landmark. Its scale, verticality, style and hillside setting amidst mature palms make a substantial contribution to the character of Mosman Bay. Its variegated yet harmonious architectural treatment is characteristic of the Queen Anne style, but here the large size of the building and overtones of the American Shingle style add importance.

Note: There are incomplete details for a number of items listed in NSW. The Heritage Division intends to develop or upgrade statements of significance and other information for these items as resources become available.

Description

Designer/Maker:

Not known

Builder/Maker:

Not known

Physical description:

Federation Queen Anne, with American Shingle Style. Prominently located on the headland directly above Mosman Wharf, 'Monterey' is an impressive three-storeyed element in the townscape, and probably Sydney's most dramatic example of this stylistic mode. The ground floor is faced with sandstone and the two upper storeys are face brick. The building displays many characteristics of the Federation Queen Anne style: a complex asymmetrical hip-and-gable tiled roof, with shingled gables and leadlight glazing. The three-storeyed verandah ensemble has bays supported on single and paired posts, the lower two storeys with open balusters and the top level with flared shingled aprons topped by baluster-work. The fenestration comprises bracketted oriels, facetted bays and ranges of multi-paned casements. The wall-hung shingling imparts to the design an American Shingle-style flavour. The terraced garden includes a couple of very tall, shaft-like Washingtonia palms. Several Washingtonias and a Livistona in the neighbouring grounds enframe the house. Below the garden the streetfront sandstone retaining wall has been penetrated by seven arched garage entrances. The whole complex appears to be in excellent condition.

History

Historical notes:

Though it is now a block of apartments, 'Monterey' was erected about 1900-1901 as a grand residence for a local surgeon. It was purchased in a derelict state by Mr W Baker, who restored the building for use as a restaurant and private hotel. In more recent times it has been returned to a residential function.

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)

New South Wales theme

Local theme

4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities

Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.

(none)-

Assessment of significance

SHR Criteria f)[Rarity]

This item is aesthetically rare regionally. This item is historically rare regionally. This item is socially rare statewide.